Authorities look for additional clues in Lyon sisters' disappearance

FBI, local authorities name person of interest in 1975 cold case

Authorities said Lloyd Lee Welch, 58, aka Michael Welch, is a person of interest in the disappearance of sisters Sheila and Katherine Lyon from a popular suburban Washington D.C. shopping center on March 25, 1975.

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Authorities said Lloyd Lee Welch, 58, aka Michael Welch, is a person of interest in the disappearance of sisters Sheila and Katherine Lyon from a popular suburban Washington D.C. shopping center on March 25, 1975.

FBI

Federal and local authorities have made a break in a cold case from 1975 and are asking for the public's help after naming a person of interest.

The Montgomery County Police Department-Cold Case Squad and FBI Agents in the Baltimore Division said Lloyd Lee Welch, 58, also known as Michael Welch, is a person of interest in the disappearance of sisters Sheila and Katherine Lyon from a popular suburban Washington D.C. shopping center on March 25, 1975.

Investigators said Welch was noticed paying attention to the sisters the afternoon they disappeared.

Sheila, 12, and Katherine, 10, were last seen just after 2 p.m., walking between Wheaton Plaza (now Westfield Wheaton) and their home, only half a mile away. Their mother told them to be home by 4 p.m., but they never returned. They disappeared without a trace, and have not been heard from since.

Welch, a convicted sex offender, has been in prison in Delaware since 1997 and traveled extensively throughout the U.S. from the 70s through the mid-90s, authorities said.

Welch worked as a ride operator for a carnival company, often set up at malls. He was arrested in several states, charged with sexual offenses against young girls. Authorities said there may be victims who have not come forward.

"We have all been haunted by the disappearance of the Lyon sisters. Even though so much time has passed, we have not forgotten that those young girls deserve justice, and their family deserves closure. We’re hoping one of you has information that will help us provide both," Montgomery County Police Chief Thomas Manger said.

"We understand we’re asking people to think back several decades to remember details they may not think matter. However, the information you provide could be vital in our search for evidence, and put to rest difficult questions for the Lyon family and for any other victims who may exist," said Steve Vogt, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Maryland.

Anyone who may have encountered Welch is asked to call investigators at 1-800-CALL-FBI or they can submit a tip online.

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Authorities said Lloyd Lee Welch, 58, aka Michael Welch, is a person of interest in the disappearance of sisters Sheila and Katherine Lyon from a popular suburban Washington D.C. shopping center on March 25, 1975.